Driving Without Insurance in Illinois

Driving an uninsured vehicle is a petty offense with a fine over $500 and up to $1,000 (a third or later conviction is a business offense with a $1,000 fine), plus a 3-month suspension of the driver's license, after which a $100 reinstatement fee is required; driving during that suspension adds 6 more months. A first offender who shows current insurance at the court date pays a $100 fine and gets court supervision. No one is convicted who shows the court the vehicle was insured at the time of arrest. Uninsured driving that causes bodily harm is a Class A misdemeanor. After a third or later conviction, the driver must file proof of financial responsibility with the Secretary of State and keep it for at least 3 years.

Every driver must carry evidence of insurance in the vehicle and hand it to a uniformed law enforcement officer on request. Acceptable evidence includes the insurance card, the declarations page, a binder or premium receipt, a rental agreement, proof of a purchase within 60 days plus the card for the replaced vehicle, registration issued only on proof of insurance, or an electronic image on a phone or other device (showing it does not consent to a search of the device). Insurance cards may be paper or electronic and are valid for no more than 12 months. Failing to show evidence of insurance when asked is treated as operating an uninsured vehicle; knowingly displaying invalid proof is a separate offense.

A person convicted a third or subsequent time of driving uninsured must file proof of financial responsibility (as defined in 625 ILCS 5/7-315) with the Secretary of State and maintain it for at least 3 years after it is first filed; the Secretary suspends the license of anyone who does not provide adequate proof.